Fix Fellowship Controller / Gamepad Not Working on PC (2025 Guide)

Many Fellowship players on PC are reporting problems with their controller or gamepad. You may notice that buttons aren’t responding, analog sticks fail to register, or the game doesn’t recognize the controller at all.

This problem is often caused by Steam Input misconfiguration, outdated drivers, Bluetooth/USB issues, or conflicts with third-party software like DS4Windows.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to restore full controller functionality and enjoy smooth gameplay.

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⚙️ Common Causes

Here are the most frequent reasons why your controller might not work with Fellowship:

• Steam Input disabled or misconfigured
• Outdated controller or USB drivers
• Incorrect input mode (XInput vs DirectInput)
• Conflicts with third-party tools (DS4Windows, InputMapper, ReWASD)
• Bluetooth or USB connection instability
• Game not automatically detecting the controller

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🛠️ Fix 1: Reconnect and Restart Your Controller

A simple reconnection can often resolve detection issues.

Steps:

1. Close Fellowship completely.
2. Disconnect the controller from USB or Bluetooth.
3. Wait a few seconds, then reconnect it.
4. Launch Fellowship and check if the controller is recognized.

✅ Result: Refreshes the device connection and allows the game to detect the controller again.

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🛠️ Fix 2: Enable Steam Input for Fellowship

Steam Input translates various controllers into a compatible format for PC games.

Steps:

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Right-click Fellowship → Properties → Controller.
3. Set Override for Fellowship to Enable Steam Input.
4. Launch the game and test the controller.

Tip: If it’s already enabled, try switching to “Use default settings” — some games prefer native controller support.

✅ Result: Ensures Steam correctly handles your controller inputs.

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🛠️ Fix 3: Check Controller Calibration and Layout

If buttons or sticks behave incorrectly, recalibrating can fix the issue.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type joy.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Select your controller → Properties.
3. Test all buttons and sticks.
4. If necessary, click Settings → Calibrate and follow the prompts.

✅ Result: Resets input signals and corrects unresponsive controls.

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🛠️ Fix 4: Update Controller and USB Drivers

Outdated drivers may prevent the controller from being detected.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Human Interface Devices and Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click your controller → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
4. Repeat for USB Root Hubs if using a wired controller.

✅ Result: Ensures stable communication between your controller and PC.

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🛠️ Fix 5: Disable Third-Party Input Tools

Programs like DS4Windows, InputMapper, or ReWASD can interfere with Steam Input.

Steps:

1. Close Fellowship and Steam.
2. Exit or uninstall any third-party input tools temporarily.
3. Relaunch Steam and open Fellowship.

✅ Result: Eliminates conflicts between native and emulated input layers.

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🛠️ Fix 6: Use Steam Big Picture Mode to Test Controller

Big Picture Mode can help ensure Steam recognizes your controller type.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → View → Big Picture Mode.
2. Go to Settings → Controller Settings.
3. Enable the correct configuration:
   • Xbox Configuration Support for Xbox controllers
   • PlayStation Configuration Support for DualShock/DualSense
   • Generic Gamepad Configuration Support for other controllers
4. Relaunch Fellowship.

✅ Result: Confirms Steam detects your controller correctly and applies the proper bindings.

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🛠️ Fix 7: Switch Between XInput and DirectInput

Older controllers may require a specific input mode.

Steps:

1. Check your controller for an X/D switch (XInput or DirectInput).
2. Toggle between modes.
3. Restart Fellowship each time to test compatibility.

✅ Result: Ensures the game communicates with your controller using the correct protocol.

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🛠️ Fix 8: Reinstall Controller Drivers

If all else fails, reinstalling your controller drivers can reset the settings.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click your controller under Human Interface Devices → Uninstall device.
3. Unplug the controller and reconnect it.

✅ Result: Resets drivers and restores controller functionality.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Use a different USB port or cable for wired controllers.
• Avoid using USB hubs — plug directly into the PC.
• Disable Steam Overlay if suspected to interfere.
• Keep both Windows and the game updated.
• For Bluetooth controllers, ensure sufficient battery and minimal interference.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why isn’t Fellowship detecting my controller?
A: Likely causes include Steam Input conflicts, outdated drivers, or incorrect input mode.

Q2: Can I use a PS4 or PS5 controller with Fellowship?
A: Yes, enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam.

Q3: Will wireless controllers work?
A: Yes, ensure proper pairing and avoid power-saving interruptions.

Q4: My controller works in other games but not in Fellowship — what should I do?
A: Verify Steam Input settings and disable conflicting third-party input tools.

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🎯 Conclusion

If your controller or gamepad isn’t working in Fellowship, the issue usually stems from Steam Input settings, outdated drivers, or software conflicts.

By reconnecting your device, enabling Steam Input, updating drivers, and recalibrating your controller, you can restore full functionality.

Grab your controller and dive back into Fellowship with seamless, uninterrupted gameplay!